richhotrainWhen I first entered the HO scale side of the hobby back in January 2004, I bought the 2003 and 2004 catalogs. I felt like a kid in a hobby shop.
Rich,Before the computer age entered my life back in 2001 I use to buy the catalog every year without fail and since I had preorderd it through a hobby shop the 2002 catalog was the last of its kind.Today I get e-mails from Walthers almost daily.
I agree..I too was like a kid in a candy shop when I received my new catalog..
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Jim,Been thinking..Maybe you should buy the catalog just for the experience of seeing how much exist in the hobby--and maybe experience the kid in the candy shop feeling?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
gmpullman JimInMichigan I rarely buy from Walthers because I search the net for the best deal.
JimInMichigan I rarely buy from Walthers because I search the net for the best deal.
When I first entered the HO scale side of the hobby back in January 2004, I bought the 2003 and 2004 catalogs. I felt like a kid in a hobby shop. But after a few more years, I stopped buying the catalog. It is no longer all-inclusive and the Walthers web site is actually a better source.
Rich
Alton Junction
Well...I am a Walthers Yardmaster's Club Member, so I receive a new reference book every year I renew. I have been doing that for a few year's now and I will freely admit, I have saved a lot of money in just shipping alone, not to mention the 10% standing discount on many, many Mfg's products. I have and still do use other distributors and direct Mfg's for items that Walthers does not carry...but all in all, Walther's is by far the best in savings and QC, In My opinion....In the past two yr's...I have ordered over fifteen (15) times from them and only had one problem...was not even their fault...it was a Mfger's pakaging error...one phone call and I had a new one mailed to Me the same day and no questions asked, also was allowed to keep the item in question. Biggest bargains are their Warehouse sales...up to 70% off on some items....Sent by E-mail, to member's..Not Your road name...not a problem for Me...little paint will fix that!!!
Just a satisfied customer....
Take Care!
Frank
Jim,
If you're new to MRRing then the Walthers catalog is a good investiment, as it will give you an good, general idea of what is specifically available in your scale and era in one handy medium. And, if you are into building things (or think that you might be), you can more easily peruse all the scratch-building supplies out on the market, or get ideas of what you could or would like to build.
Like others, I buy one every few years or so. And you might even be able to purchase a 2015 (or older) Walthers catalog at a reduced price at a LHS in your area.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The walther catalog is a fancy picture book that's outdated before you buy it. The computer age has all but eliminated the need to buy Walthers catalog.
Here's why.
By going to walthers.com you can see if there is any Details West plows in stock.This is the method hobby shops used if you need to preorder any detail parts. You can also look through the monthly sales flier and check the deals and plus you can check the new product announcements.
I also buy them every few years. Even though I'm primarily in S, it's nice to see the tools, paint, etc. that are available. Even though you can find a lot on the internet, having much of it in one place is convient.
Enjoy
Paul
I still get a catalog every couple of yearssp I guess I'm about due thos year. The only time I buy from Walthers directly is when can't get it anywhere else. My detail parts I get here http://www.mgdecals.com/homepage.htm He has the best supply plus he's got some great decals too.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
Sometimes Walthers IS the best deal.
I don't believe I have ever paid retail at Walthers except for a few times when I could not find the item I needed anywhere else.
However, I always look at the "Walther's Flyer" http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/flyer
and the Bargain Depot/Last Call
http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/bargain_home
Sometimes the savings is substantial. You can request to have a print copy of the Flyer mailed to you (about every six weeks or so) and it will usually have news about new and future Walthers products.
I like to page through the Flyer. It's like getting the Big Book highlights... and it's free!
Ed
Someone gave me my first Walthers catalog in 1978. It opened up my eyes to all the products that are available, especially PARTS. It is a great reference book. They were meant to be for hobby shops to order from but it was better if customers could take them home to look through and tell the hobby shop what they needed since everyone has a construction (wish) list and only buy products off of that list.
I buy the catalog every few years to keep up to date. I have gotten rid of a few old ones but now I wish I had kept them because many items are longer in production so they are no longer listed but are still available as NOS (new old stock) on the internet.
I agree. And since so many dealers order from Walthers, you can get an idea of what is available to them. Also, not every smaller manufacturer has a presence online.
Lastly, it's just fun to look through for ideas.
Jim
I buy one every few years. I find it a nice way to know what's out there. Even if you don't order from Walthers, it's nice to know (for instance) what all the various snowplows from Details West look like and then search on the one you want online.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
If you like picture books, go for it. I have not bought one in many years. The Internet does it all.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I'm new to this hobby. I rarely buy from Walthers because I search the net for the best deal. Is this reference book for the $16 something that someone like me should buy?
Who like's them, and why?